Bloodworms in My Pond Plants

Written by rena sherwood

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Bloodworms are a normal part of freshwater pond life. (Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images)

Bloodworms are commonly found in the bottom of freshwater ponds and congregating around pond plant roots. Bloodworms may get caught in pond filters but are not any reason for worry. They will not harm pond plants or fish.

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Identification

Bloodworms are the larvae of midge flies called Chironomids. These midges do not bite like mosquitoes. Bloodworms are often blood-red but can be pink. They have segmented bodies and bristles on the ends of their mouths.

Significance

Bloodworms do not eat live plants but they do eat algae and dead, decaying plants. They help keep the pond clean by eliminating rotting vegetation from the pond. They can survive in ponds with low oxygen levels because of the high haemoglobin in their blood.

Expert Advice

Bloodworms are packed with as much as 55 per cent protein. They make excellent food for pond fish such as koi or goldfish. They also are eaten by salamanders, water insects and freshwater shrimp.